Biologist Larry Wangh and his laboratory colleagues have invented and optimized a suite of technologies which will be the basis for highly informative diagnostic tests for infectious diseases. These technologies, collectively know as LATE-PCR, are owned by Brandeis University and are exclusively licensed to UK-based Smiths Detection. Smiths Detection has supported research in the Wangh laboratory and has just announced a new collaboration and licensing agreement between Smiths Detection Diagnostics and Novartis Diagnostics in the field of infectious diseases.

In addition to detecting human and animal infectious diseases, the Brandeis technologies are useful in a broad range of fields including bio-defense, cancer, and food testing. These technologies also open the door to new basic research in fields as diverse as drug discovery and species conservation.

“The accomplishments of the last six years are the result of a real team effort, both within my laboratory as well as between Brandeis and Smiths Detection,” said Professor Wangh. “We look forward to supporting Smiths Detection and Novartis as they move our technologies through the demanding steps required to translate a laboratory invention into a clinically useful test. We are also excited about our strengthening relationship with Smiths Detection as it expands into new areas of application and discovery.”